Blow-In-Blanket Contractors Association

Build Green with BIBS

2010-09-09T12:18:00-06:00

Insulation saves over 12 quadrillion BTUs annually - 15% of the total national energy used. Fiberglass insulation is a proven energy-saving measure that accounts for the majority of those savings. BIBS® is an efficient way to maximize those energy savings by delivering a complete, effective insulation system. The idea behind energy efficiency is quite simple. If people consume less energy, there will be fewer greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. Energy efficient technology and practices play a significant role in reducing the threat of global climate change.
A BIBS®-insulated building has advantages that last the life of the building. A complete thermal envelope is achieved with no gaps or settling for maximum comfort, sound control and energy savings. Low moisture absorption, no deterioration and completely filling cavities against humid air currents can increase the durability of the building. Fewer problems lead to happier homeowners and more profitable builders.
The BIBS® system utilizes glass fibers that have been engineered to deliver maximum insulation performance with minimum weight. Therefore the natural resources consumed to insulate a building with BIBS® are less than competing insulation systems. The lightweight and compressible nature of the BIBS® approved fiberglass requires less packaging material and less energy for transportation. The raw material for glass is sand, a plentiful and renewable resource. Fiberglass is also manufacture utilizing recycled glass, which puts waste material to productive use.

Builders Challenge - Recognizing Leadership in Homebuilding

2010-09-07T13:03:00-06:00

U.S. homebuilders of all sizes, from all areas of the country, report growing buyer interest in energy-efficient houses. Yet they also find that many homebuyers want help in making informed decisions. How can homebuyers tell exceptional energy performers from average energy performers or code homes? How do they figure out just what that difference will mean in their energy bills? Insulation, windows, ventilation, ducts, thermal barriers all contribute to meeting the Quality Criteria. Spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Builders Challenge is a voluntary effort to provide compelling answers. Through the Builders Challenge, participating homebuilders will have an easy way to differentiate their best energy-performing homes from other products in the marketplace, and to make the benefits clear to buyers. DOE's ultimate vision is that, by 2030, a consumer will have the opportunity to buy a cost-neutral, net-zero energy home (NZEH) anywhere in the United States — a grid-connected home that, over the course of a year, produces as much energy as it uses. The Builders Challenge establishes a framework for continuous improvement that will help propel the market toward zero-energy performance.

The Builders Challenge is based on lessons learned from the Building America Research Program — a private/public partnership that develops energy solutions for new and existing homes. Learn more about Building America.

What problems are caused by overblowing fiberglass in walls?

2010-09-02T09:47:00-06:00

To comment on this question, click here

At what point does over-blowing compromise R-Value? What are the other consequences of over-blowing walls with loose fill fiberglass?

To view the conversation, click here

Visit Knauf Insulation's Q&A Section with Practical Advice for Homeowners on Tax Credits

2010-08-31T10:25:00-06:00

What is the energy efficiency tax credit worth?

Home owners are eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,500 for 30% of the costs of qualified energy efficiency improvements made to their homes. Therefore, if a homeowner spends $1,000 on new qualifying insulation, they are eligible for a $300 Federal tax credit. This is a more generous credit than the previous tax credit of up to $500 for 10% of the costs.

There's more great information for homeowners on what's needed to get tax credits for insulating on the Knauf web site.

DOE Announces Nearly $120 Million for Weatherization Projects

2010-08-27T10:17:00-06:00

The Weatherization Assistance Programis creating thousands of jobs locally—putting carpenters, electricians, and factory workers back to work installing insulation, upgrading appliances, and improving heating and cooling systems. According to state reports, the Recovery Act Weatherization Assistance Program supported more than 13,000 jobs in the second quarter of 2010, including approximately 120 jobs in New Hampshire. These workers are receiving training in energy upgrades that will help form the foundation for a sustainable energy efficiency industry in America that can extend to the more than 100 million middle-class homes that stand to benefit from weatherization.

After ramping up last year, the Weatherization Assistance Program is now weatherizing homes at its optimal run rate—approximately 25,000 homes per month. And in June, states reported that more than 31,600 homes were weatherized with Recovery Act funding—the most ever in a month. This summer alone, more than 80,000 homes will be weatherized across the country.

Nearly $90 million in Recovery Act funds will be awarded to more than 100 high-performing local weatherization providers in 27 states to complement and expand their existing weatherization programs. Each of the selected organizations has already met their milestone of weatherizing 30% of their total production goal and spending 30% of their Recovery Act funds. These awards will allow these successful grantees for the first time to install renewable energy systems and cutting-edge energy efficiency technologies in homes to help families save even more on their energy bills. This includes installing technologies such as solar heating systems, solar photovoltaic panels and shingles, small-scale wind turbines, new insulation technologies, cool roofs, high-efficiency appliances, tankless hot water systems, high-efficiency combination boilers for hot water and heat, in-home energy monitors, and ductless heat pump systems.

An additional $30 million from the weatherization program's annual budget will fund 16 recipients that will demonstrate other innovative approaches to weatherizing low-income single and multifamily homes. Projects will include new types of weatherization partnerships, financial models that allow for greater private sector leveraging, workforce training and volunteer engagement, and the demonstration of new energy efficiency technologies like in-home energy monitors. Projects will also test combining weatherization services with a comprehensive 'green and healthy homes' approach that incorporates indoor air quality improvement and lead abatement services.

What's the best way to retrofit?

2010-08-24T12:02:00-06:00

I live in NJ. I recently discovered that my garage walls are not insulated. I've contacted 2 contractors. The first uses a 3 inch hose, drills holes at the top of the sheetrock only, and blows the insulation in from the top and lets gravity pull the insulation down. The 2nd contractor uses a 1 inch hose, drills holes at the top and bottom of the walls, blows insulation in from both directions. Both contractors repair the holes. My question is, which contractor is performing the better process, the one that uses the 3 inch hose only from the top of the walls, or the one using a 1 inch hose from the top and bottom. Thanks for your help!!!

What Should a Homeowner Consider When Comparing Insulation Estimates?

2010-08-18T10:49:00-06:00

Homeowners often make decisions weighing the merits of a project based on a low bid price, without fully examining the actual product and services value delivered for the cost. Contractors realize that consumers want the best possible service for the least amount of expense, but also know that a low-bid price does not necessarily guarantee that the homeowner will receive the desired value results.

When considering cost estimates among contractors, we suggest you compare obvious contract points, as well as “additional value points.” These value points include the following:

• How long has the company been established?

• Does the firm have a credible history in the community/industry?

• Does the company have an established office and/or showroom, allowing consumers the convenience of product displays, a conference area to discuss plans, and the ability to meet the office team?

• What is the experience and tenure of the office professionals and craftsmen?

• Does the company utilize established subcontractors with proof of insurance coverage and licensing?

• Do community building inspectors have favorable recommendations for the workmanship of the firm?

• Have the firm’s principle members obtained advance certification?

• Is the firm educated and certified for laws enacted in the state?

• May the principles be reached “after hours” in the event of an emergency?

• Will the contractor supply recommendations from current and past clients?

In the case of BIBS and BIBS HP, you also want to verify that the contractor is trained and certified, preferably a member of the contractor's association as well.

When comparing construction agreements and specifications, make sure they are identical: product selection, material cost allowances, scope of procedures to be completed, issuance of permits and project square footage. Compare the payment schedule; a contractor who demands more than 20 percent upfront prior to work commencing should be questioned. Make sure the contractor will supply you with lien waivers and warranty information.

Prior to obtaining insulation bids, do research up front. Be honest with your available budget, which enables the contractor to compose a realistic bid for you. Inform the contractor of amenities you want incorporated. If the project has multiple phases, produce a priority list, in case your budget does not allow all the projects to be completed immediately.

While price is important, value, experience and the delivered result will be remembered long after the project is completed and the last payment submitted. Make sure you receive true value for your dollars!

To find a qualified insulation installer in your area, visit our map.

The Smart Way to Add Insulation to an Existing House

2010-08-17T09:29:00-06:00

Does your home need more insulation? Unless your home was constructed with special attention to energy efficiency, adding insulation will probably reduce your utility bills. Much of the existing housing stock in the United States was not insulated to the levels used today. Older homes are likely to use more energy than newer homes, leading to higher heating and air-conditioning bills.

Where and How Much

Adding more insulation where you already have some, such as in an attic, will save energy. You can save even greater amounts of energy if you install insulation into places in your home that have never been insulated. Figure 1 shows which building spaces should be insulated. These might include an uninsulated floor over a garage or crawlspace, or a wall that separates a room from the attic. Figure 3 can give you general guidance regarding the appropriate amount of insulation you should add to your home, and the rest of this page will provide more specific information.

A qualified home energy auditor will include an insulation check as a routine part of an energy audit. For information about home energy audits, call your local utility company. State energy offices are another valuable resource for information. An energy audit of your house will identify the amount of insulation you have and need, and will likely recommend other improvements as well. If you don't have someone inspect your home, you'll need to find out how much insulation you already have.

After you find out how much you have, you can find out how much you should add. This recommendation balances future utility bill savings against the current cost of installing insulation. So the amount of insulation you need depends on your climate and heating fuel(gas, oil, electricity), and whether or not you have an air conditioner.

How Much Insulation Do I Already Have?

Look into your attic. We start with the attic because it is usually easy to add insulation to an attic. This table will help you figure out what kind of insulation you have and what its R-value is.

Look into your walls. It is difficult to add insulation to existing walls unless:

You are planning to add new siding to your house, or
You plan to finish unfinished space (like a basement or bonus room).

If so, you need to know whether the exterior walls are already insulated or not. One method is to use an electrical outlet on the wall, but first be sure to turn off the power to the outlet. Then remove the cover plate and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. You should be able to see whether or not insulation is in the wall. Also, you should check separate outlets on the first and second floor, and in old and new parts of the house, because wall insulation in one wall doesn't necessarily mean that it's everywhere in the house. An alternative to checking through electrical outlets is to remove and then replace a small section of the exterior siding.

Look under your floors. Look at the underside of any floor over an unheated space like a garage, basement, or crawlspace. Inspect and measure the thickness of any insulation you find there. It will most likely be a fiberglass batt, so multiply the thickness in inches by 3.2 to find out the R-value (or the R-value might be visible on a product label). If the insulation is a foam board or sprayed-on foam, use any visible label information or multiply the thickness in inches by 5 to estimate the R-value.

Look at your ductwork. Don't overlook another area in your home where energy can be saved - the ductwork of the heating and air- conditioning system. If the ducts of your heating or air-conditioning system run through unheated or uncooled spaces in your home, such as attic or crawlspaces, then the ducts should be insulated. First check the ductwork for air leaks. Repair leaking joints first with mechanical fasteners, then seal any remaining leaks with water-soluble mastic and embedded fiber glass mesh. Never use gray cloth duct tape because it degrades, cracks, and loses its bond with age. If a joint has to be accessible for future maintenance, use pressure- or heat-sensitive aluminum foil tape. Then wrap the ducts with duct wrap insulation of R-6 with a vapor retarder facing on the outer side. All joints where sections of insulation meet should have overlapped facings and be tightly sealed with fiber glass tape; but avoid compressing the insulation, thus reducing its thickness and R-value.

Return air ducts are often located inside the heated portion of the house where they don't need to be insulated, but they should still be sealed off from air passageways that connect to unheated areas. Drywall- to-ductwork connections should be inspected because they are often poor (or nonexistent) and lead to unwanted air flows through wall cavities. If the return air ducts are located in an unconditioned part of the building, they should be insulated.

Look at your pipes. If water pipes run through unheated or uncooled spaces in your home, such as attic or crawlspaces, then the pipes should be insulated.

Need more information on retrofitting your house? Contact a qualified, professional BIBS dealer in your area

More tax paperwork for 2012

2010-08-13T21:29:00-06:00

A provision of the health reform law is threatening to swamp U.S. businesses with a flood of new tax paperwork. Section 9006 of the health care bill -- just a few lines buried in the 2,409-page document -- mandates that beginning in 2012 all companies will have to issue 1099 tax forms not just to contract workers but to any individual or corporation from which they buy more than $600 in goods or services in a tax year. The stealth change radically alters the nature of 1099s nd means businesses will have to issue millions of new tax documents each year.

Right now, the IRS Form 1099 is used to document income for individual workers other than wages and salaries. Freelancers receive them each year from their clients, and businesses issue them to the independent contractors they hire.

The bill makes two key changes to how 1099s are used. First, it expands their scope by using them to track payments not only for services but also for tangible goods. Plus, it requires that 1099s be issued not just to individuals, but also to corporations.

Taken together, the two seemingly small changes will require millions of additional forms to be sent out. Why did these tax code revisions get included in a health-care reform bill? Welcome to Washington. The idea seems to be that using 1099 forms to capture unreported income will generate more government revenue and help offset the cost of the health bill.

Why did these tax code revisions get included in a health-care reform bill? The idea seems to be that using 1099 forms to capture unreported income will generate more government revenue and help offset the cost of the health bill. The IRS estimates that the federal government loses more than $ 300 billion each year in tax revenue on income that goes unreported. Using 1099s to document millions of transactions that now go untracked is one way to begin to close the gap.

Data Collection Headache: gathering names and taxpayer identification numbers for every payee and vendor that you do business with.

Insulating Old Homes: Blow-In Insulation Options

2010-08-10T11:18:00-06:00

Fiberglass-based blow-in insulation is a popular choice for attics and hard to reach areas. Properly applied, blown-in fiberglass insulates well. Proper technique in the application is critical. Fiberglass can be "fluffed up" if care is not taken during its application. "Overblowing" fiberglass occurs when the installer applies enough material to reach the desired depth, but with more material than is required to achieve the proper rated R-value. Makers of fiberglass insulation list specific "depth plus density" recommendations (usually stated in bags of insulation to be applied per square foot of space) to achieve proper results. Contact a BIBS dealer in your area for more information.

How much insulation is recommended in your area?

2010-08-05T13:20:00-06:00

Insulation level are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost-effective for different climates and locations in the home.

Click Here to download the map.

Enhanced System Provides Improved Delivery of Spray Foam Insulation

2010-08-03T09:50:00-06:00

Convenience Products, the manufacturer of Touch ‘n Seal insulating foams, sealants and specialty products, has taken a good thing and made it even better. Like its predecessor, the CPDS 1000, the new and improved CPDS Series 2 Constant Pressure Dispensing System uses an internal air compressor to deliver higher spray foam yield at more than twice the speed as foam kits. However, the CPDS Series 2 boasts a number of enhanced features including improved performance, durability and ease of use.
“The CPDS Series 2 has terrific new features that contractors are going to really appreciate,” says Michael Sites, Touch ‘n Seal Product Manager. “After the successful launch of the original CPDS 1000, we listened to our customer requests and we responded to them. The result is a high-performance spray foam dispensing system ideal for business start-ups or service expansion for any contractor looking for a low investment cost with a high rate of return.”

The Touch ‘n Seal CPDS Series 2 delivers both open and closed cell, Class 1 fire-retardant foam and is designed for use in residential and commercial sealing and insulating applications. Using an adjustable constant delivery rate, the CPDS Series 2 operator can apply polyurethane spray foam to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Hoses up to 150’ long allow for jobsite portability and versatility. No chemical calibration is required. With an empty weight of less than 155 lbs., and a 24” x 33” footprint, the CPDS Series 2 fits in the back of a standard truck and easily navigates through standard doorways and entrances.

CPDS Series 2 Performance and Durability enhancements include:

Built in thermostatically controlled heater that maintains chemicals, hoses and CPDS at optimal operating temperatures
An upgraded heavy duty pressure booster
Redesigned hangers that hold up to 150’ of chemical hose for easier handling/hose control
A durable, powder coated metal tool box
Heavy duty labels that resist chemical stains, scratches and weathering
An extra set of heavy duty pressure hoses in every tool box to reduce down time/allow for faster repairs

CPDS Series 2 Ease of Use enhancements include:

A heavy duty CPDS cover that helps maintain proper temperatures when used with the built in heater. The cover also features a large, clear window to see the complete control panel and tool box
Improved cold weather starting
New and improved heavy duty, white ball bearing rear wheels
Heavy duty pressure hose fixtures for ease of attachment
Bright, updated control panel graphics that are easy to read and understand

“As contractors around the country are discovering, Touch n’ Seal’s Constant Pressure Dispensing Systems are an affordable alternative to buying or hiring a foam dispensing truck, saving both time and money,” concludes Sites. “In addition, many bulk system contractors have purchased the CPDS for smaller projects and repairs.”

Touch ‘n Seal foams contain no CFCs and are International Residential Code Compliant. The CPDS Series 2 is available nationwide and throughout Canada. For a local distributor, please call Touch ‘n Seal’s Customer Service at 1-800-325-6180.

Energy Efficiency

2010-07-29T08:32:00-06:00

Insulation saves 12 times as much energy per pound in its first year in place as the energy used to produce it.
All insulation products installed in U.S. buildings save consumers about 12 quadrillion Btu annually or about 42 percent of the energy that would have been consumed with no insulation in place.
Insulation currently in place in U.S. buildings reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emissions by 780 million tons each year.
Today's fiber glass insulation contains nearly 40% recycled glass, depending upon the manufacturing facility.

Check out Blow in Blanket, the Premium Insulation System .

Many Energy Improvements Qualify for Expanded Tax Credits

2010-07-27T21:33:00-06:00

People who weatherize their homes or purchase alternative energy equipment may qualify for either of two expanded home energy tax credits: the non-business energy property credit and the residential energy efficient property credit.

BIBCA Mission: To promote BIBS as the most value-added premium insulation system, and to support BIBCA members as they grow their businesses.

Presentation by Johns Manville on Air Resistance in Drill and Fill Applications

2010-07-22T13:40:00-06:00

Thinking about retro-fitting your home? Take a look at this presentation before you decide on cellulose over fiberglass.

JM Spider® Drill & Fill BenefitsMore Efficient Installation Process

Higher installed R-values than cellulose
Comparable1or Better2Air Resistance properties than cellulose
Can be Installed with 5/8”nozzles through mortar joints
Minimal or no clogging in standard 1” hoses and larger
Less dust and less clean-up than cellulose
Installed at Lower Densities with Less Air Pressure
Easier to train new installers
Easier to install without settling or wall damage

Click here to view and download the presentation